by Vivian Luu
Copy Editor

In Seattle, there are bands who sing about loving people in photo booths, artists who strum along to bid a fond farewell to their drug addictions and strangers who relish in dumpster diving.

And then there’s SCC student Anthony Shears and his latest CD, “The Growth— My Endtroduction.”

The album offered a fresh take on hiphop, but still managed to include some classic motifs from other artists. Shears’ composition was reminiscent of Talib Kweli’s work, incorporating hardcore, nonstop spitting with distinct musical elements in the background. He even managed to craft his way into a rapesque version of “I’ll Stand by you” by Shirley Bassey in his 3rd track, “Tears in Your Eyes.”

I must admit that listening to “Endtroduction” put a smile on my face. None of the tracks made me feel warm and fuzzy inside, but they all had a strong message that stuck with me.

Shears rapped about real life that actually mattered to me. He managed to get personal in this album. “If You Only Knew” (Track 6) asked where all the sappy love songs went and serenaded into nearly five minutes of heartfelt, loveydovey bliss. “Mea Culpa” (Track 9) delved into Shear’s family and life experiences, bringing life to his hard times, growth and triumph thus far.

“Endtroduction” is definitely something you won’t expect—Shears might have kept you guessing with his previous releases, but this album can’t compare to anything else you’ve listened to.

I can’t measure the album’s overall quality with a number, but let’s just say this: “Endtroduction” isn’t going to talk about how Shears was shot multiple times and survived. It’s not going to describe any intimate details on his intimate relations and doesn’t worship unnecessary violence and aggression. There’s brand-spankin’-new music here, and it’s worth a listen…or two.

Experience “My Endtroduction” for yourself. Visit Shears’ website at shearsmusicgroup. com or his MySpace page at http://myspace.com/anthonyshears.